British guitar builder John Diggins of Jaydee Guitars passed away on 2 January following complications battling a long-term illness.
Birmingham luthier Diggins had built guitars under John Birch before branching out on his own in 1977. His most famous customer, Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, used his SG-style designs as his go-to instruments for stage and studio with No. 1 'Old Boy' – his most recognisable guitar. Slade's Noddy Holder, Angus Young and Iommi's bandmate Geezer Butler also had custom instruments made by Diggins.
